Junior Commission Orientation
2024 Junior Commissioner Program
Junior Commission Class of 2024 Participants Include:
District 1
Tralaia Hall
Senior
Career Magnet Academy
District 2
William Mendoza-Euceda
Senior
Career Magnet Academy
District 3
Gracie Hancock
Junior
Bearden High School
District 4
Bayless Bolt
Senior
Webb School of Knoxville
District 5
Maya Hira
Senior
Bearden High School
District 6
Josh Martinez
Junior
L&N STEM Academy
District 7
Kalan Hendrickson
Senior
Apostolic Christian School
District 8
Landry Baker
Junior
Gibbs High School
District 9
Albert Venable
Junior
South Doyle High School
At-Large, Seat 10
Timothy Cho
Junior
Farragut High School
At-Large, Seat 11
Makenlee Cox
Junior
Central High School
Junior Commission Orientation
Field Trip: Health Dept., Elections & Libraries
February Beer Board and Work Session
Field Trip: Detention Facility
February County Commission and Zoning meetings
Junior Commission Mock Meeting
March Beer Board and Work Session
March Commission Meeting
Graduation Banquet
Knox County Commissioners believe community engagement and civic education is vitally important to a healthy republic and functioning democracy. As such, the Knox County Commission has established an annual “Junior Commission” civics education and youth leadership program where Knox County high school students (juniors or seniors) can become a more engaged and informed citizen by participating in this unique program. Junior Commission participants will learn the functions of their local government and further develop healthy citizenry habits, all while promoting the importance of community engagement and public service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How are the Junior Commissioners chosen?
After all the submissions are accepted, each Knox County Commissioner is sent their completed applications for review. Over the holiday break, each Commissioner will select their own Junior Commissioner. Once our office confirms participation, the Class of 2024 Junior Commissioners will be locked in and announced on January 8th. - Who is eligible to apply for the Junior Commission program?
This program is open to Knox County residents who are a junior or senior in a Knox County public, private or accredited home school program (as recognized by the State of TN Dept. of Education). - How do I know if my home school program is eligible?
The State of Tennessee Department of Education publishes an annual list of more than 600 "non-public schools," which includes private schools and home school umbrella programs. You can find the list at this link: https://www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/non-public-schools.html - What is the dress code?
Unless specifically instructed, as a participant in the Junior Commission program, you are expected to come dressed in professional business attire, just like your mentor Commissioners. - When will the program sessions end each evening?
Please see the enclosed schedule. We will work hard to make sure no session lasts beyond 9:00pm. - Do I need to bring my own food?
No, we will provide meals during your sessions. It is advised to bring your own water bottle and any specific snacks you might want to have on hand. - Is transportation provided? Is there any reimbursement for parking?
No, unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation or reimburse for parking. There are several free parking options and public transportation if needed. Each Junior Commissioner is responsible for their own transportation to every event. - Do my parents / guardians need to stay during our sessions?
No, not unless they want to (but they are always welcome). It’s ok if you are dropped off / picked up at each session and our team will be there to supervise all participants. - How do I find the Small & Main Assembly Room?
Come in the front door of the City / County Building (400 Main St., Downtown Knoxville) and when you go through security, one of the PBA officers will help you find our location. - Will my child be alone or ride with their mentor Commissioner?
All Junior Commissioner sessions will be group events. No student will be alone or ride with their mentor. For the community participation event, parents/guardians will be invited to join their student if they wish. - What will be required of each student during school hours? If so, will an absence be excused?
Besides the scheduled outlined in this packet, no additional time is required during normal school hours. If there is any time needed away from school, please contact your Principal and Commissioner to arrange for permission and documentation. - Can I get extra credit for participating in the Junior Commissioner program?
Maybe... any type of extra credit should be discussed with your teacher and/or Principal. If needed, our office can provide documentation once you graduate from the Junior Commissioner program. - How much time do I need to commit to be part of this program?
Each Junior Commissioner who is chosen will be asked (along with their parents/guardians) to complete a program expectation form acknowledging they understand the terms of the program. While one excused absence is allowed during the program, we highly encourage you to only apply if you can make every event/session. Please keep in mind, if you are chosen, and cannot participate in all the sessions, you're taking a spot away from another student who will be able to. - Will photos be taken? How will they be used?
Yes. We will have an official photographer take headshots of each student, a group photo, and various photos throughout the program to document the sessions. Many of these will be posted on our Junior Commission web page and may also be used in social and traditional media stories. As outlined in your waiver, participation in this program includes allowing for your photo to be taken and used for promotional purposes. - If selected, do I need to prepare for anything in advance of the first session?
No. We will review everything during the orientation session - no homework! - How can I learn more about the Knox County Commission?
You can learn about the County Commission at: www.knoxcounty.org/commission. There you’ll find information on your Commissioner, meeting agendas, rules, documents on how local government works, etc. You can also watch any past or current Commission meetings.
Click here to view the 2023 Junior Commissioner Program
For additional questions, please contact the County Commission Office at commission@knoxcounty.org or (865) 215-2534.